We often get questions from new (and experienced) pet owners about pet nutrition and with so many brands of pet food available, selecting the “best” can be challenging and overwhelming. We are hopeful that these simple tips can give you the confidence to determine what is the best diet for the entirety of your pets’ lifetime.
AAFCO Statement:
AAFCO is the go-to organization for understanding animal feed including food for pets. They rely on current scientific knowledge to provide the guidelines for pet food composition, which if followed, will minimize the risk of malnutrition. The AAFCO statement will outline the diet’s intention and whether this claim was conducted by formulation or feeding trial. A diet labeled for growth and development is intended for puppies and kittens whereas a maintenance diet is for adult pets. We caution against food labelled for “all life stages,” as this claims the diet is just as good for young pets as it is for seniors. We know that our pets require different nutritional needs as they get older and the “all life stages” claim will need to meet the minimum requirement for the stage that will require the most nutritional support—which are our naïve, growing babies (under 1 year old).
What are by-products?
A by-product is simply something produced in the making of something else. For example, when you boil chicken, the by-product is chicken broth. Meat by-products provide excellent nutritional value compared to non-by-product counterparts. When you see something listed as a by-product on a pet food label, it may not sound as appealing or there is a common misconception that it is a lower quality ingredient. This is incorrect. The by-products used in pet food manufacturing are safe, nutrient-dense and flavourful for pets (i.e., liver, heart) and are required to keep a diet nutritionally balanced.
Are carbohydrates bad for pets?
Carbohydrates are beneficial to both dogs and cats. They provide your pet with a great source of energy that can help support bodily function and are a good source of fibre for gut health and motility. Certain carbohydrates, such as corn, also provide essential nutrients such as protein, fatty acids and antioxidants. Corn is not a filler in pet food. When it is cooked and broken down, it is easily digested and processed by the body.
Should I consider a raw or home-cooked diet for my pet?
Research has not shown proven health benefits of raw diets, but it has identified several potential risks. Over thousands of years of domestication alongside humans, dogs evolved the ability to digest more starch and carbohydrates; hence they are no longer considered strict carnivores like their other canid counterparts. As such, feeding your dog a strict raw diet poses certain developmental risks if the diet is not nutritionally balanced. Raw diets can also expose you to harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E coli and listeria as well as parasites as they can be spread through your pets’ saliva, feces, food bowls, etc. Home-cooked diets cannot be tested for nutritional adequacy like commercial diets which undergo rigorous testing and feeding trials. It is important to include your veterinarian if you intend to feed either of these diets to ensure they are complete and balanced. This is especially important if your pet is special needs, on long-term medications or they are still in their growth stage of life.
Do you have more questions about pet nutrition? Give your veterinarian a call to discuss them further!
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